A Perthshire politician has slammed the Scottish Government’s handling of the A9 dualling project after learning nothing has been done to arrange an inquiry into its impact on the battlefield of Killiecrankie.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser lashed out after he asked when a promised public local inquiry (PLI) into the project’s impact on the site was going to start only to be told it would be arranged by a government employee who has not even been appointed to lead the investigation yet.

Mr Fraser had asked Transport Scotland when the probe was going ahead and what its response was to reports that residents did not know what was happening.

He was told by Keith Brown MSP, the cabinet secretary for the economy, jobs and fair work that it would be up to a reporter - who has not even been assigned to the task yet - to decide when its starts and to tell residents what is going on.

“The arrangements for setting up and managing a PLI, including any relevant timescales, will be the responsibility of the reporter(s) following appointment,” he told Mr Fraser. “The Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) of the Scottish Government will notify those involved when an inquiry is arranged.”

Reacting to that statement Mr Fraser told the PA: “This is a complete and utter shambles. Less than two weeks ago Transport Scotland confirmed that a PLI would be held and now we have Keith Brown rowing back this position and stating nothing has been arranged.

Murdo Fraser, Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife

“People in Killiecrankie have every right to be outraged by this. Clearly there are communication issues between Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government and no-one really knows what is going on.

“Local residents have lost faith in the ability of the Scottish Government to handle this process and their approach to-date has been nothing short of incompetent.

“Killiecrankie is one of Scotland’s most historic battlefields and it is clear that the Scottish Government can no longer be trusted to preserve it.”

His criticism comes as the number of people who have signed a petition started by campaigners determined to preserve as much of the battlefield as possible reached 3000.

The petition’s organisers, KilliecrAnkie1689, aim to present the petition to Scottish ministers to convince them to put a stop Transport Scotland’s current plans.

It says: “KilliecrAnkie1689 is in favour of upgrading the A9 in the interests of safety. But it wants the best route possible for the local community and one that fully respects the sensitive area of the battle site.”